Distinguishing Terrorism from other Forms of Crime - Research Paper Example

Distinguishing Terrorism from other Forms of CrimeIntroduction A common misconception in society is that terrorism and other forms of violent are the same thing. While the assumption is valid, terrorism, displays unique characteristics that distinguishes it from other forms of violent crimes. Terrorism involves experts, who have undergone training, such that they can carry out massive terror attacks without being noticed by security technicalities installed in such places. It is an organized group, with established leadership structures, constant flow of money.

Interestingly, while people who commit other forms of crime hide after the act, terrorists tend to avail themselves for media briefs, spread propaganda, and issue further threats (Cohn, 2009). This makes it easy for them to carry an attack anywhere around the world because they have coordinated movements and other militia groups attached to the main group. While other forms of crimes are less likely to be motivated by anything serious, terrorism is purely motivated by extreme radicalization especially in religion, politics, and great interests (Goldstein, 2007).

Such ideologies make them extremely militaristic, because they believe that war is the only way to realizing their goals. The degree is destruction caused by terrorist attacks is greater as compared to other forms of violence. This is because they use crude mechanical weapons like bombs, which causes massive destruction to a particular place. The motive behind the attack gives a true picture of why terrorism differs from other forms of violence. Terrorists carry out attacks to inflict fear in the public, attract attention, encourage empathy, highlight serious political consequences with any nation that fights it and its sympathizers, and demonstrate economic consequences that a country can face if it continues to attack(White, 2006).

Conclusion Security experts argue out that terrorism is a tactic of the weak. However, it must be known that terrorists are motivated by the above discussed issues and would do anything to achieve what they want. With improvement in technology, terrorists are finding it easy to recruit innocent youths into their groups and radicalizing them, with the promise of good payment and other benefits for a job well done (Ulusoy, 2012).ReferencesCohn Marjorie. (2009). Distinguishing Terrorism: Military Law.

Retrieved Jun 2, 2015 from: http://nlgmltf.org/distinguishing.html.Goldstein, D. (2007). The Criminology of Terrorism. Retrieved Jun 2, 2015, from Boston University, Vista Online Web site: http://vista.bu.edu/webct/.Ulusoy, D., M. (2012). Political Violence, Organized Crimes, Terrorism, and Youth. New York: IOS Press.White, J.R. (2006). Terrorism and Homeland Security. (5th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson- Wadsworth.